Achari Chicken Wings Recipe – Mustard Oil & Spice Blend

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Achari Chicken Wings Recipe – Mustard Oil & Spice Blend

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good wing night? But forget everything you think you know about wings, because these Achari Chicken Wings are about to blow your mind. I first stumbled upon this flavor profile at a small roadside dhaba during a trip to Punjab, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive achari (pickle-inspired) marinade transforms simple chicken wings into something truly special. Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average buffalo wings. We’re diving deep into the vibrant world of Indian flavors with this recipe. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• Bold Flavor: The achari spice blend is a game-changer. It’s tangy, spicy, and incredibly aromatic.
• Easy to Make: Despite the complex flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple.
• Air Fryer or Oven Friendly: You can cook these wings using your preferred method.
• Perfect for Sharing: These are always a hit at parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these incredible Achari Chicken Wings:

• 1.5 lb (approximately 680g) chicken wings
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• ¾ cup (180ml) thick yogurt (full-fat is best!)
• ¼ cup (60ml) mustard oil
• 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder
• Ghee, for brushing
• 1 big dry red chili
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• ½ – 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to ensure your wings are chef’s kiss perfect:

Mustard Oil – Regional Variations & Flavor Profile

Mustard oil is the heart and soul of this recipe. It has a pungent, slightly nutty flavor that’s essential for achieving that authentic achari taste. In North India, it’s a kitchen staple! If you’re new to it, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking.

Kashmiri Chili Powder – Color & Mild Heat

Don’t skip the Kashmiri chili powder! It provides a beautiful vibrant red color and a mild heat. It’s different than regular chili powder – it’s more about color and flavor than intense spice.

Achari Spice Blend – The Heart of the Recipe

We’re making our own achari spice blend from scratch. This is where the magic happens! Roasting the spices brings out their aromas and intensifies their flavor.

Fenugreek Seeds – Distinctive Aroma & Flavor

Fenugreek seeds (methi) have a unique, slightly bitter aroma that’s characteristic of Indian pickles. A little goes a long way!

Chicken Wings – Choosing the Best Cut

I prefer using mid-joint wings for this recipe, but you can use any cut you like. Drumettes are also fantastic. Just make sure they’re relatively uniform in size for even cooking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Achari Spice Powder: Dry roast the fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, and dry red chili in a pan over medium heat until fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn them! Let cool slightly, then grind into a fine powder using a spice grinder or a powerful blender.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, mustard oil, and Kashmiri chili powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Spice Blend & Aromatics: Add the ground achari spice powder, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chili to the yogurt mixture. Add salt to taste and mix well.
4. Marinate the Wings: Add the chicken wings to the marinade and coat them evenly. For a quick meal, marinate for just 15 minutes. But, if you have time, let them marinate for a few hours (or even overnight!) in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
5. Preheat & Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or your oven to the same temperature.
6. Air Fry or Bake: Place the wings in the air fryer basket or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If using an air fryer, cook for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. If baking, cook for about 35 minutes, turning halfway through.
7. Brush with Ghee: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the wings with ghee every few minutes. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and extra flavor.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Brush the wings with ghee one last time after cooking. Serve hot with the avocado-cilantro yogurt dip (recipe below) and lemon wedges.

Avocado-Cilantro Yogurt Dip: Blend 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup (120ml) yogurt, a handful of cilantro leaves, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking tray. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For extra crispy wings, pat them dry with paper towels before marinating.
• Brushing with ghee is key for that authentic flavor and beautiful color.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and use a vegan butter or oil instead of ghee.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of green chili and red chili powder to your liking.
• Festival Adaptations (e.g., Diwali snack): These wings are a fantastic addition to any festive spread! My aunt always makes a huge batch for Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

These Achari Chicken Wings are amazing on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• With a side of cooling raita (yogurt dip).
• Alongside a fresh salad.
• As part of a larger Indian feast.
• With a cold beer or a refreshing lassi.

Storage Instructions

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

FAQs

What is ‘Achari’ and what does it taste like?

‘Achari’ refers to anything flavored like Indian pickles (achaar). It’s a complex flavor profile – tangy, spicy, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic.

Can I make the Achari spice powder ahead of time? How should I store it?

Absolutely! You can make the spice powder up to a month in advance. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

What can I substitute for mustard oil?

If you can’t find mustard oil, you can use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. You could also try using a blend of olive oil and a teaspoon of mustard seeds, lightly crushed.

Can I bake these wings instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Baking will take a bit longer (about 35 minutes), but the results will still be delicious.

How do I adjust the marinade time for more intense flavor?

The longer you marinate the wings, the more flavorful they’ll be. For a really intense flavor, marinate them overnight.

What other dips would pair well with these wings?

Besides the avocado-cilantro yogurt dip, you could try a mint chutney, a sweet chili sauce, or a simple lemon-herb aioli.